Operatives of the Ilorin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission have arrested 10 persons suspected to be involved in illegal mining activities in parts of Kwara State.
The anti-graft agency disclosed this in a statement released on Monday through its official social media platforms. It said the arrests took place along the Ilorin–Ogbomosho corridor following credible intelligence on unlawful mining operations spanning Kwara and Oyo states.
According to the commission, the suspects were taken into custody on Sunday, February 1, 2026, during a coordinated sting operation aimed at stopping the illegal excavation and movement of solid minerals in the area.
“The suspects were arrested following actionable intelligence on illegal mineral excavation and transportation along the Ilorin–Ogbomosho axis,” the statement said.
The EFCC explained that those arrested included nine truck drivers and one escort, who were intercepted while allegedly transporting solid minerals believed to have been mined illegally.
“The suspects, comprising nine truck drivers and one escort, were intercepted and taken into custody during the operation.”
The commission said items recovered from the suspects included lithium, tin and lepidolite. It added that investigations showed none of the suspects possessed valid licences or approvals to mine or convey the minerals.
“Preliminary investigations showed that the suspects had no requisite licences, permits or approvals to mine or transport the solid minerals recovered from them,” the statement added.
The EFCC further disclosed that trucks loaded with the seized materials were confiscated during the operation and remain in the custody of the commission.
It said the suspects would be charged to court after the conclusion of investigations.
